Flexibility

I always complained about running in pain when I start out. Today was one of those painful starts. I told my son about it when I got home and he offered me a quick solution.

“You should loosen up, Dad.”

I should listen to him because he knows what he’s talking about. He’s played all kinds of sports all his life. He also performs with a dance troupe on the side. I think he knows the importance of being flexible by heart.

Unfortunately, I am notorious for my stiffness. I can’t extend my limbs or cross my legs or reach my toes without grimacing. My lack of range of motion shows when I run. My son teases me that I run like a wobbling robot.

Pretty much, my son diagnosed correctly why I run in pain. I force my tight and knotted muscles to flex and extend abruptly when I run. My muscles are still stiff and not ready for strenuous activity. If at rest, I already lack flexibility, then it becomes worse when I try to start moving.

So today I’m embarking on working on my flexibility. I’m actually starting by being more open to change my point of view – that runners rather spend time training than stretching. Hence, starting today I would incorporate a few flexibility exercises into my training.

My pains today remind me of my own rigidity with regard to some of my old ways. I stick to old habits or worn-out notions that may limit my growth opportunities. It’s time to re-think and renew.  Easter time reminds us to be renewed…in a way, to be open to God’s prompting. God wants to give us more freedom of movement and at the same time feel more relaxed. Even when we feel anxious and tense, even more so, God wants us to feel at ease lost in His love and care. Here’s sharing with you a relaxation and awareness prayer (which also could be sung) to help us loosen the knots in our lives:

“Lose yourself in me, 

And you will find yourself. 

Lose yourself in me 

And you will find new life

Lose yourself in me` 

And you will find yourself 

And you will live, 

Yes, you will live in my love."

It's the Second Sunday of Easter. May the risen Christ stay in our hearts and let His peace and love reign in our lives.

Rainy Run

It was pouring last night exactly what the weather report said.  Heavy rains with gusty winds.  The streets of Antioch were drenched.  Puddles of rainwater on the sidewalks and gutters were overflowing in a few street corners.   Cars whooshed on the wet roads and splashed on waterlogged areas as the commuters rush to get home.  But there I was running on the road in the middle of the stormy night.  I could see a few drivers looking at me and probably thinking. "Are you serious?"

Yup.  That's me running.  I actually enjoy running in the rain.  It brings out both the playfulness and toughness in me.  It brings back childhood memories of playing the rain and getting drenched in the open air without a care in the world.  As an adult, braving the elements of nature and making it through makes me feel tough.  But the rain also reminds of one of its particular symbolism.  Rain represents blessings.  Doesn't the line that goes "When it rains, it pours," sounds familiar to you?

My rainy run then actually made me think of the blessings I received this year 2010.  Wow, what a year it was.  As I kept running through the rain, I recalled some of my blessings.  I completed six marathons this year.  My wife survived three emergency room visits.  We sold our house.  My son turned 14.  He received a scholarship. I kept my job. I received two grant approvals. I stayed healthy.  Wow!  I just kept running and said a prayer of thanksgiving.  Being soaking wet in the rain felt good as I thought about these blessings.  Thank you, God!  It was good rainy run.  A good way to reminisce this year that's about to pass.  No more rain the forecast for the remainder of the days, but I sure pray for more blessings in 2011.